Health

In a concerning development from West Texas, Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock has reported treating fewer than 10 pediatric patients for vitamin A toxicity, amidst a misinformation wave regarding vitamin A’s role in treating measles. This surge in cases is attributed to a misunderstanding promoted recently in media, particularly by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., suggesting that vitamin A can dramatically reduce measles mortality rates.

The children affected, initially hospitalized due to measles complications, now face the added complication of vitamin A toxicity, which can cause abnormal liver function and disrupt overall health, according to the National Institutes of Health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has emphasized that while vitamin A may be administered as part of supportive care in severe measles cases, it is not a replacement for vaccination. This message, echoed by Dr. Philip Huang of Dallas County Health and Human Services, underlines the critical importance of the measles vaccine as the primary preventive measure.

Recent findings highlight a surprising villain in the rising numbers of oral cancer cases: sugary drinks. A study from the University of Washington reveals that women who consume one or more sugary beverages daily are at a significantly heightened risk—4.87 times more, to be exact—of developing oral cancer compared to those who indulge less than once a month. This data emerges from a robust analysis of dietary records belonging to 162,602 women over thirty years, of which 124 cases of oral cancer were documented. Notably, this risk spike persists even among individuals with minimal traditional risk factors like smoking or alcohol consumption, elevating to 5.46 times for those specific non-smokers or light drinkers who still consume sugary drinks regularly.

Colon cancer is increasingly becoming a major health concern worldwide, including in Thailand. Recent reports, including findings from Intermountain Health, highlight that colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women under age 50. This is not just an issue for those over 50, as younger populations are seeing rising incidence rates. Alarmingly, in 2020, 11% of all colon cancer and 15% of all rectal cancer diagnoses were recorded in individuals under 50 years old. The situation underscores the necessity for increased awareness and early screening to curb the escalation of this cancer among younger demographics.

Recent research has uncovered a surprisingly unsettling reality: many foods traditionally considered healthy might be laden with microplastics, which have been linked to cancer, DNA damage, and other serious health concerns. This revelation underlines the pervasive impact of microplastics on our daily lives, hinting at their infiltration into even the most unsuspecting corners of our diet. With the presence of microplastics in our environment escalating, this study prompts a critical reevaluation of dietary choices commonly perceived as beneficial.

In a recent development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have sounded the alarm about the rapid spread of Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungus ^(LA Times). This fungal superbug has increasingly afflicted hospitals and nursing homes across the United States, garnering widespread attention due to its resistance to treatment and its potential to cause severe infections, especially among vulnerable populations ^(Fox News).

Originally identified in 2016, C. auris has surged from 52 cases in its first year to more than 4,500 confirmed infections recorded in 2023 ^(ConsumerAffairs). This dramatic increase is particularly concerning given the fungus’s deadly nature, killing over 1 in 3 infected individuals, according to health experts ^(Global News).

The recent publication in the Star Tribune by Aaron Brown serves as an engaging reminder for elder millennials reaching age 45, as they now find themselves at the threshold of recommended colon cancer screenings. This shift is crucial as recent data indicates a troubling increase in colorectal cancer rates among younger adults, while early screening has decreased incidences among older populations. March, recognized as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, highlights the importance of timely screenings to mitigate risks associated with the second deadliest cancer in the United States.

The recent measles outbreak affecting West Texas and New Mexico has taken an unexpected turn with several patients suffering from vitamin A toxicity, raising alarm over health misinformation. At Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock—close to the outbreak’s center—some of the unvaccinated children hospitalized for measles exhibited signs of abnormal liver function, a likely indication of excessive vitamin A intake, explained Dr. Lara Johnson, pediatric hospitalist and chief medical officer for Covenant Health-Lubbock Service Area source.

In a surprising and controversial move, the U.S. federal government has appointed David Geier, a well-known vaccine skeptic, to lead a study examining the disproven link between vaccines and autism. This decision, revealed by the Washington Post, has sparked outcry from the scientific community, given Geier’s history of promoting discredited research in this arena.

This development is part of a broader narrative where public health agendas in the U.S. appear to be influenced by prominent anti-vaccine figures. David Geier, in collaboration with his father, Mark Geier, has consistently advocated against vaccinations. Their research, often dismissed by the scientific community for its methodological shortcomings, focuses on purported dangers of vaccines, specifically mercury-based ingredients, which they claim are linked to autism—a claim that has been thoroughly debunked by numerous scientific studies over the years. Despite the widespread scientific consensus, their studies still hold sway among certain anti-vaccine circles, particularly those led by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who now oversees health initiatives.

The spread of the drug-resistant fungus Candida auris has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to classify it as an “urgent antimicrobial resistance threat,” according to a recent hospital study. Identified in the U.S. in 2016 and rapidly escalating since, the fungus has been spreading in Georgia and within Miami’s Jackson Health System, raising significant concerns. It is known to predominantly affect vulnerable patients in healthcare settings, especially those using medical devices like catheters or breathing tubes, as the pathogen can enter the body through these devices.

A riveting collection of first-hand accounts of near-death experiences (NDEs) is captivating the online community, offering insights into what it feels like to hover on the brink of life and death. A Reddit thread that has been active for over a decade continues to gather deeply personal stories, with contributors describing a spectrum of sensations and emotions associated with nearly dying.

This phenomenon, often described as the ultimate existential inquiry, carries significant interest not just in Thailand but globally, as it challenges our understanding of consciousness and the afterlife. The narratives range from feeling utter peace to experiencing a void that resembled dreamless sleep. One contributor recalled a car accident that left them with vivid memories of a truck’s grill and disjointed snippets of auditory memories, but no recollection of a white tunnel or light. Another described a serene state amidst life-threatening anemia, awakening in a hospital with a profound sense of peace source.

The Trump administration’s recent actions, particularly under the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have raised significant concerns about the future of mRNA research. Initially hailed as a major achievement during the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA technology now faces potential setbacks due to swelling vaccine skepticism within high government ranks. This development is crucial as mRNA technology represents one of the most promising advancements in medical science with applications far beyond COVID-19.

As the COVID-19 pandemic gradually becomes a chapter in history rather than a current crisis, its profound impact on public health and public perception continues to echo globally, including in Thailand. A recent NPR report discusses how the pandemic, despite fostering incredible advances in public health, has simultaneously fueled science skepticism, particularly in relation to vaccines. This dual legacy poses challenges that resonate deeply within Thai society as well.

In the early days of the pandemic, rapid development and widespread distribution of COVID-19 vaccines marked a significant public health achievement. Initiatives such as the Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed ensured vaccines were available faster than any previously developed. According to experts, such as University of Washington’s Carl Bergstrom, these vaccines saved millions of lives and demonstrated unprecedented scientific achievement. The mere possibility of mRNA technology, used in COVID vaccines, being applied to other infectious diseases represents a substantial leap forward for global health (NPR).

A recent longitudinal study has sparked interest in the potential of plant-based diets to significantly influence the prospects of healthy aging. Conducted over 30 years, researchers tracked the dietary habits of 105,015 middle-aged health professionals in the United States. The compelling results published in Nature Medicine suggest that adherence to diets rich in plant-based foods, with minimal intake of ultra-processed foods, may profoundly enhance the likelihood of reaching 70 without major chronic diseases—a statistic that only 9.3% of participants achieved.

As Diabetes Alert Day shines a spotlight on the widespread but underrecognized condition of prediabetes, recent findings underscore the urgent need for increased awareness and early detection. Diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to properly regulate sugar, potentially leading to severe complications like heart attack, stroke, and nerve damage over time. Despite the critical role of prediabetes as a precursor to diabetes, about 80% of individuals with prediabetes remain unaware of their condition, greatly hindering preventive efforts.

The global fascination with raw pet food continues to grow, with colorful bowls of uncooked meats and organs capturing attention on social media platforms such as TikTok. However, a recent National Geographic article has unveiled new risks associated with the $3.1 billion raw pet food industry, linking it to the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus. This development raises significant concerns about the safety of feeding pets raw diets, emphasizing the need for awareness among pet owners in Thailand and beyond.

A team of engineers from MIT, in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital, has developed an innovative drug delivery system that could significantly extend the duration of drug efficacy, a breakthrough that may transform patient care globally. The study, published in Nature Chemical Engineering, reveals methods to achieve long-lasting medication effects through simple, injectable formulations. This advancement is particularly impactful in the context of developing nations, where access to healthcare services and resources can be limited.

In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine, researchers have identified dietary patterns that significantly influence healthy aging, which is becoming increasingly crucial as the global population ages. The study involved a massive sample size of 105,015 participants monitored over a span of 30 years. The findings underscore the role of diet in achieving not only longevity but also maintaining cognitive, physical, and mental health into the elder years (source).

New studies highlight a troubling risk not previously fully understood—a meat allergy derived from tick bites, now found to be associated with a broader range of tick species than previously recognized. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alongside local health officials, points to more than just the lone star tick as a culprit behind alpha-gal syndrome in the U.S. source.

Alpha-gal syndrome, a rare allergic reaction to the alpha-gal sugar found in red meat, occurs following certain tick bites. Traditionally linked to the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), new reports suggest that the western black-legged tick (Ixodes pacificus) and the deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)—both more broadly distributed—may also spur this condition. This revelation possibly expands the risk zone and the number of people vulnerable to this allergy, unexpectedly affecting their dietary choices and lifestyle in regions previously thought safe.